A first aid kit is an inevitable part of every house and car. A well-stocked kit helps to react effectively to emergencies and injuries. First aid kit refills help to reduce tensions during accidents. Store the kit out of the reach of kids and in a place where everybody has access. Kids should have education on first aid and make sure they know how to use it during emergencies. A small first aid kit is necessary for the car for emergencies.
First aid kits and first aid kit supplies and refills are available in the market. A person with the basic idea of the essentials can buy the supplies and assemble their own. It might be based on their needs and activities.
The basic supplies of first aid are
•Adhesive tape
• Bactine or Calamine lotion- Anesthetic spray helps from tingling rashes and insect bites.
• Gauze pads- These soft sterile pads are used for cleaning and wrapping wounds.
• Ace bandages- It is used for covering spine joints. Ace bandages are also used for wrapping on splints and gauze.
• Adhesive bandages of all size
•Tweezers- It is used for tick or splinter removal
•CPR or pocket mask
•Benadryl for allergic reactions and rashes. It is better to avoid topical antihistamine creams. These creams worsen itching rashes in some people.
• Triangular badges to use as a towel or sling.
• Exam gloves to protect from infection. Gloves could be used as ice packs also by filling them with frozen water.
• Resealable bags to contain the contaminated articles.
• Scissors
• The medical history of the family should be kept along with the first aid kit. The contacts of doctors and insurance companies and the medications of the patient should be readily accessible.
Must have medications in the kit includes Aloe Vera gel, laxative, cough medications, pain relievers and auto-injector( this is only necessary if the doctor prescribed).
Keep aspirin as a priority in first aid kit refills. Aspirin helps the chest pain patient during an emergency. It is not good for children. Heart attack patients should contact medical help immediately after the first aid.
Emergency items in the kit include a waterproof flashlight and matches, a space blanket, sunscreen, insect repellents and the medical consent forms.
Check the kit regularly and replace and refill the supplies which are expired or used up. Give children proper education on medical emergencies. They should understand the importance of first-aid techniques. Don’t forget to keep a first aid manual along with the kit so that anyone during the emergency can lend help!
Keep the first aid kit safe.
Every member of the house should have proper education on how the medications in the kit work. Give them proper training to use all items. It is better to check and refill the kit twice a year at least.
It is better to keep the first aid kit in the kitchen as it is accessible to everyone. Avoid keeping it in the bathroom. As the bathroom has extra humidity, most of the medications’ life shortens.
The first aid kit in the car also should be given the same care. Similar kits could be used for the cabin, mobile home and vacation home.
Keep the travel kit in the suitcase or backpack so that it won’t be forgotten before the trip.